These indoor playdate ideas are brought to you by Melissa & Doug, written by our Blog Ambassador Allison McDonald. “Everyday play is what childhood should be about.” ——————————————————– The weather is finally getting nice, right? Well just when you think you are going to be spending every day gardening and playing outside, the weather reminds [...]

This rainy-day activity is brought to you by Melissa & Doug, written by our Blog Ambassador Zina Harrington. Keep the light of curiosity alive! Goop. Gak. Flubber. Call it what you wish. This slimy, stretchy, science recipe is ideal for experimenting on a rainy day. When there’s a lull in the action, introduce these ideas [...]

Make it a “Kids in the Kitchen” day! They’ll not only get some delicious results, but they’ll be using math (measuring and counting), observing scientific principles (effects of heat, what happens when different ingredients are combined) and using their senses (smelling the food cook, touching the ingredients and, of course, tasting the food!). Some easier [...]

Make Your Own Sock Puppet This is an art project PLUS an opportunity to play puppets all day long! Start with a sock that’s large enough to fit the child’s hand comfortably. Let the child try on the puppet to see where the features should go. (The thumb will be the bottom jaw, and the [...]

5 Easy Ways to Raise Earth-friendly Kids by Amy of TeachMama.com Though my kids may scream at the occasional spider, cry when snow fills their boots or melt when the temperature reaches 110 degrees, I do believe they’re Earth-friendly, outdoor-loving kiddos. And there isn’t a whole lot to it. In celebration of Earth Day, here [...]

Many of us have special memories of time spent reading with parents or grandparents, or even with teachers and friends. There are so many reasons it is important to read to your child – every day! Why read to your child? Your child will treasure the time together. For many families, the normal rhythm of [...]

This family activity is brought to you by Melissa & Doug, written by our Blog Ambassador Stacy Teet. Explore your backyard in a new way with this sensory adventure. Gardening with my kids is a big deal to me. It is one of the most rewarding ways we spend time together. There are so many [...]

This creative energy-burning activity is brought to you by Melissa & Doug, written by our Blog Ambassador Valerie Deneen. Enjoy some active indoor pretend play with your kids! Has the weather been a little too sunny for you? Do you miss the rain? Have you been struck with a sudden urge to sing and dance [...]

Beanbag Toss: Draw different throw lines for children of different ages. (You might even let toddlers walk up to the target and drop their bean bag into the hole!) Water Play: With supplies as simple as a wide plastic bowl (or water table) and a collection of cups, older children can experiment and learn about [...]